Jesus Understands

At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Matthew 27:46 

 

Has there ever been a time when you felt unloved? Maybe you felt depressed and just wanted to sleep forever.  Maybe you, like me, truly believed that NO ONE could understand how you feel.  Well, as Christmas approaches remember that Jesus was born just like we all were; He grew up, just like we all do, and He died, just like we all will.  What good is a Savior who cannot even begin to have a clue how we feel?  Jesus understands.

 

Jesus understands what it is to laugh, to cry, to feel irritated, to feel abandoned (as He did on the cross).  Jesus gets it!  He's felt the same ways we feel.  So when our hearts and minds cry out wondering if anyone understands...Jesus does! 

God Uses Pets?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 

I had to take my dog, Woody Bear, to the vet the other day because I found a lump under his skin.  Did you know that God uses our pets to make His point sometimes?  How do I know this? Well, Woody Bear does not like going to the vet and he shakes so badly that the car vibrates.  I pet him and talk to him and try to explain that it's for his own good that we have to go to the vet.  He probably doesn't understand what I'm trying to explain to him, but he trusts me to get him there and be there when it's time for him to come home.

Now....I look at my own life.  I don't always have any idea what God has planned for me, and if God tried to explain it to me, I would still be nervous...just like Woody Bear!  However, I trust that God will never leave me or turn His back on me because He has never let me down before and is not about to start now.  So I trust Him even, and especially when, I don't understand what's going on or why it's going on.

God uses whatever He must to reach us and teach us...even pets!

Are You Okay?

The Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. God can see what is in people’s hearts. And he knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit speaks to God for his people in the way God wants.

Romans 8:25-27 

"Are you okay?"  How many times do we ask this question of someone who seems quiet, thoughtful, or perhaps depressed or anxious or both?  

The holidays seem to intensify Depression and Anxiety.  Why?  Partly because the Holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and happiness, yet the person battling depression and anxiety cannot feel happiness or celebratory.  As a matter of fact, the person battling Depression and Anxiety may add guilt to the mix because they feel they cannot measure up to the expectations of the season.  This will cause the person battling depression and anxiety to withdraw from others.  The anguish and turmoil which roils within them can rob them of rest, sleep, enjoyment of any kind, will drain their energy, and even push them to the brink of suicide.  All the while, they may be wearing the face of one who is okay.

I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard someone responding to a suicide, "They gave no indication" "They always seemed so happy" "They were always upbeat" "I had no clue anything was wrong."  My question to those people is simple: "How well did you REALLY know the person?"  You see, when you truly know someone, you know their idiosyncrasies, their habits, you see behind the mask.

Here are a few thoughts of what is and what is not helpful when dealing with a person battling depression:

1. NEVER tell them to "get over it" or ask them "what do YOU have to be sad about?" or tell them to "quit feeling sorry for themselves".
2. Interact with them with the premise that they have either a chemical imbalance or have PTSD due to some tragic incident(s) they have faced.  Tread carefully.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions: "I'm not sure what you are going through, but I would like to understand if you would tell me."
4. Allow the person to have their space.  Many will seek a place where they feel protected and safe.  I usually seek out a corner somewhere.
5. Understand that chemical imbalances and PTSD cannot be controlled for very long.  With chemical imbalances, medications can help, but I have yet to find a combination that fixes the issue.  With PTSD, some medications dull the senses, but do not fix the issues.
6. Might want to sit down for this one: Quoting Bible verses to them is highly detrimental!  Most already feel a sense of guilt for not being "normal" there is no need to further alienate them by telling them to "Just turn it over to Jesus and it'll all go away." Yes, I, as a Chaplain, and a sufferer of Chemical Imbalances as well as PTSD said this.  Scripture has its place and is comforting when used correctly.  Pouring salt in the wounds with Scripture is not helpful and lowers your credibility.
7. Help start a support group.  A safe place where the concerns can be openly addressed and perspectives can be offered. 

 I don't know if any of this is helpful, but hopefully coming from someone who struggles with these battles daily the information can be useful at least to help with understanding.
 

Buzz Off Already!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 

1 Samuel 16:7 

 

How many times have you heard "church words" being thrown around in a conversation with someone who is hurting and you see their face glaze over or they get irritated by the use of buzzwords?  I hate buzzwords!  

 

When I was in college, one of the guys in my dorm came back from a church service very excited because he had gotten "saved" after hearing "The Word."  I asked him about his experience, and he really couldn't tell me without using all the church buzzwords.  I already knew all the buzzwords, having grown up as the son of a Minister.  But one of the things that drove me away from the church for a long time were those who dared not be authentic...they had to use "church speak" to express their holiness.

 

One of the things God has reiterated to me is to be who I am.  Flaws, failures, lumps, bumps, bruises, and all.  The best way I can tell you about my relationship with God is to reveal that He loves me in spite of my falling face first into the muck.  Yet He still brings people across my path who I can learn from and who I can help.  And it all comes from just being honest and open.  I distrust any church folk who cannot speak without using "church speak."  I distrust people who cannot just be real, open and honest.

 

Remember, Jesus went to the places where people were and He taught them in ways THEY could understand!  

Can We Talk?

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14:19

We see it all over media.  We hear it in conversations. We have become quite the argumentative lot, with everyone shouting how THEY are right and everyone who disagrees is WRONG, blocking streets, burning, looting, lots of yelling and carrying on, dashing about like ants whose nest has been disturbed.

How do such blasting arguments help us come together for peace and mutual building up?

I stopped to get some fuel for my car shortly after the inauguration.  I was wearing my Chaplain's shirt, and was just standing there trying to get the price to an even number (I won't say I have OCD tendencies, but it bugs me if I can't reach that even number), and a man at the pump ahead of me started shouting "You're just wrong!"  I thought he was talking to someone on the phone, or talking to his radio, or someone else because I was only pumping gas into a car.  He continued to berate the person I didn't know louder and angrier, lacing his diatribe with quite the collection of profanities.  He finished filling his car and then stormed over to me and continued to shout right at me, telling me how wrong I was.

He finally stopped long enough to take a breath, and I asked him what I had done to offend him so badly.  His reply was another colorful oratory about how cops are evil and abuse power. When he stopped for another breath, I asked him if I could speak for just a moment and then he was free to shout all he wished.  He looked shocked, so I took that opportunity to point to the badge on my shirt which bears a cross and above the badge the word CHAPLAIN is quite evident.  I informed him that I carry no weapons on my person in my role and I arrest no one.  Our discussion into my job was getting rather lengthy so I offered to buy him a cup of coffee while we talked.  

In the end, he understood that not everyone is out to get him and not everyone who sees life differently is evil.  When we parted company, we shook hands and smiled.  And all it really took was talking AND listening.  You see, we seem to want to do all the talking and not a lot of listen.  Point being, what if I'm wrong AND you're wrong....but neither of us is completely wrong, we just need to find some common ground?  

Kidding

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 18:1-4 

One of the hobbies I have acquired over the course of my like thus far, is people watching.  You see, human behavior fascinates me.  Especially in those unguarded moments when we think no one notices.  

I was having a meeting at my Office away from the Office a while back and saw a young lady with two highly energetic toddlers come in, followed by two Soldiers (both Drill Sergeants).  The toddlers were having none of this "wait your turn" thing and insisted on dragging Mom to "look at this" and "see what I found".  I felt so sorry for her.  She kept apologizing to everyone around her for her "enthusiastic" children.

Both of the soldiers smiled patiently.  The children persisted, and Mom kept apologizing.  Just when I thought her last frayed nerve would snap, the soldiers jumped into action.  Both of these Drill Sergeants (who were accustomed to giving orders), got down in the floor with these children and let the children show them everything they found.  Not only that, but they kept the children occupied while Mom had a quiet cup of coffee probably for the first time that day.  

Made me "HOOAH" for the Drill Sergeants for their deeds, and made my heart lift to see Mom getting a MUCH needed break.  But the thing that struck me most was the children.  You see, children are always fascinated with EVERYTHING!

     *     Children aren't afraid to play together.  We are taught prejudices.

     *     Children aren't afraid to see things differently.  Look at how they color pictures.  We are taught that we have to "stay inside the lines because that's how we've always done it."

     *     Children aren't bitter and jaded.  We learn that behavior (and we can unlearn it too).

     *     Children aren't afraid to laugh and be expressive.  We are taught to hide our feelings. 

     *     Children are helpless and need someone to care for them.  

     *     Children are eager to learn.  And usually pick up on things quickly (so be careful what you say and do).

     *     Children aren't afraid to show love.

May God make us more childlike!

Can You Understand Me Now?

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
    I will put them into practice with all my heart.

Psalm 119:34

Here is yet another confession:  I don't always understand what I read in the Bible.  That's right, sometimes I will read something and sit there through two, maybe three, cups of coffee pondering what I read and end up with a headache.  

I told a friend about my dilemma and he smiled and simply said, "You're overthinking it.  First, Ask God to show you what He wants you to understand from the passage.  Second, brace yourself because what He reveals to you may be so very simple that it blows your socks off."  I was stunned!  Then he went on to tell me that we tend to make the Scriptures much more complicated than they truly are. 

Here's a little tidbit that may just put me out of a job, but thought you should know anyway.  Early in the church, the priests and monks came from wealthy families and were usually very well educated.  Most of the people could not read much and very few could read the Latin, Greek and Aramaic which the Scriptures were written.  Now, the average household has at least 4 Bibles (might be in the attic, on the coffee table, under that wobbly table leg).  But if we follow the simple counsel of asking God to make the Scriptures make sense to us, ask what He wants us to take from the passage, you'll be astounded how clear the messages will be.

One other thing....I grew up reading the King James Bible.  No offense to this translation, but I don't know too many who regularly speak to their friends that way.  Pick a translation or more that is easier for you to understand.  That just a start.  

But I'm In Control!

When Jesus entered the city of Capernaum, an army officer came to him, begging for help. 
The officer said, “Lord, my servant is at home in bed. He can’t move his body and is in much pain.”

Jesus said to the officer, “I will go and heal him.”

The officer answered, “Lord, I am not worthy for you to come into my house. You only need to command it, and my servant will be healed. I, too, am a man under the authority of others, and I have soldiers under my command. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant does it.

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were following him, “I tell you the truth, this is the greatest faith I have found, even in Israel. Many people will come from the east and from the west and will sit and eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But those people who should be in the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.”

Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go home. Your servant will be healed just as you believed he would.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
Matthew 8:5-13

We like being in control, don't we?  We love being put in positions of authority and power (whether we can handle the responsibilities or not).  For some, being in the spotlight (believing we are more "important" than everyone else) is worth whatever the cost to cling to.  We get a taste of power and we aren't about to let it go.

But look at today's story...the Centurion, who is a man of authority able to order his troops to kill, defend, destroy, guard, build, tear down, move or anything else he had a mind to do. Yet, this man of power found himself in a position where all his authority and power were useless.  Understand, that servants during this time in history were disposable.  If one died, you just went to the market and bought another one.  So when this Centurion takes such an interest in his servant as to go as Jesus for help speaks of an unusual relationship.  Perhaps the Centurion and this servant grew up together in the same household, perhaps even played together, and were together throughout their lives (as sometimes happened).

But the Centurion recognized that all his hard won power and authority could not save his servant.  And in admitting that he needed Jesus' help, he achieved something most of us have yet to understand...that Jesus is in control and is the Great Physician.  He understood that God is God and he is not.  

I wish I could remember who wrote it, but this quote stuck in my mind: "Some of us think holding on to power makes us strong, but it is in the letting go that true power is unleashed!"

If you want to know just how powerful you are, grab a handful of sunshine.  When night comes, open your hand and see how brightly your handful of sunshine glows.  The only one who controls the sunshine is the One who created it...and it ain't us.

Got something you're trying to deal with?  Stop trying to control it and let God deal with it!